It's Games on for Fuller's

He was talking after the family controlled firm unveiled a decent Christmas trading period and said it had bought two more pubs as part of its expansion plans.

Fuller missed out on a takeover offer for the London-based Capital Pub Company last year, making a hostile bid that came second to a friendlier approach from Greene King.

Turner hoped that takeover would position the company perfectly for London 2012, but has had to content himself with smaller bolt-on deals instead.

Today he said Fuller's had exchanged on two more pubs that will complete before the end of March. Two other acquisitions that are closed for refurbishment work will re-open soon.

In the nine weeks to 21 January, sales were up 5.1%, with more than 40 pubs enjoying record weeks.

Turner said: "We have now completed or exchanged on 14 acquisitions so far this financial year which gives us good momentum going into a summer of sport and celebration that should lift the national mood. 2012 is finally here and with the world's attention focused on London,we at Fuller's, our capital city's only long-standing brewer, intend to showcase what is great about British beer and pubs".

Paul Hickman at Peel Hunt said: "A strong third quarter illustrates the benefit of being in the best pub trading market in the UK. Fuller's is also supported by its quality retail operation and beer product, as well as a valuable property asset. London's advantage can only increase during 2012."

Some City critics say privately that Fuller's has overpaid on some of the pubs it has bought recently. They also snipe that Turner is under pressure to release value from the Chiswick brewing property.

The shares edged up 3p to 713p.